Clinton made her first official campaign appearance Tuesday in a community college's auto garage.

MONTICELLO, Iowa — Hillary Clinton outlined the broad themes of her White House bid Tuesday in a community college auto shop — positioning herself as a fighter for families and working Americans.

"It's fair to say that as you look across the country the deck is still stacked in favor of those already at the top," she told a half-dozen local students and teachers at her first campaign appearance, a carefully staged roundtable.

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"There's something wrong with that."

She said she wanted to "be the champion who goes to bat for Americans in four big areas" —building the economy; strengthening families; fixing "our dysfunctional political system" and keeping the country secure.

She said she'd push to get "unaccountable money" out of politics.

Clinton, surrounded by auto engines and cars with popped hoods, spent much of the event listening to the students and teachers gathered around a folding table at Kirkwood Community College. She talked about educational opportunity while sounding a populist note, saying she agreed with President Obama's proposal for free community college tuition.

Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich said Clinton had held a 2008 rally at the college — and this one might do her more good.

"I think this one will resonate more because she actually sat down and tried to learn from our students," he said.

Clinton reminded the audience that she did not come from a background of privilege.

"I've been fighting for children and families my adult life probably because of my mother's example," she said. "She had a really difficult childhood, was mistreated, neglected, but she never gave up." She said she wanted every child to have the same opportunities as her granddaughter Charlotte.

Clinton offered a few less-scripted moments — empathizing with a student who talked about nerves at starting college.

"I was so scared. I mean really. I called home and said 'I want to come home.' I called collect in those days," she said to laughs.

"I was really impressed. She made some really good points and was really down to earth," said Ellen Schlarmann, a high school student who takes classes at the college and was selected for the roundtable.

Hillary Clinton hit the road in force this week for her second run at the White House. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Before her appearance, Clinton met with voters at the Jones Street Java House in Le Claire, where she ordered a spicy Masala Chai tea and a "Caramellow," a latte flavored with marshmallow and salted caramel.

"Hi, everybody," said Clinton. "Thank you for having us and all of these people. I love it."

Coffeehouse owner Rebecca Burns said she got "a little heads-up last night" that Clinton wanted to stop by. Patrons were vetted for the event, though some regulars were included.

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She's a great lady," Burns said.

Burns said she, too, got to chat a bit with Clinton about her business, and "of course about her granddaughter."

Clinton, who formally declared her 2016 candidacy Sunday, took off for the Hawkeye State shortly after making the announcement, traveling across the country in a black GMC van.